With apologies to that clever beer commercial that’s stuck in my head…I don’t always watch 3D TV, but when I do, I prefer to watch it with active-shutter glasses.
In order to enjoy the joyous, immersive power of 3D, one must wear glasses. It’s either as simple or complex as that, depending on your point of view. But 3D TV without glasses? That’s just a poor proposition.
But according to several friends, that’s exactly what’s going on at some of the big-box retailers. There are myriad 3D TVs on display, but finding a working pair of glasses can be an adventure. Some glasses are on display, but from what’ve been told, they either don’t work or are damaged beyond recognition.
Some retailers have chosen to keep their supply of 3D in a back room and provide them only when they are requested. I went into a retailer the other day to test this out and walked around for 10-15 minutes trying to find someone who could help me. Even when I did track someone down, he told me he’d have to meet me by the TVs as he was closing a digital camera sale.
Sounded reasonable enough.
I waited for an additional 10 minutes, staring at 3D TVs that simply didn’t do the technology, the manufacturers, or the retailer, justice.
I then departed.
So what I suggest is this: When you go into a big-box retailer, track down a sales person immediately and ask for a pair of 3D glasses (preferably Sony’s active-shutter model) if there aren’t working models on display. Chances are they’ll have some stashed in a back room, just waiting to provide them to you.
It sounds like a cliché, but it’s not: Seeing is believing when it comes to 3D. But you need 3D glasses before you can believe.
In fact, 74 percent of consumers experiencing our 3D demo at Sony Style stores reported the 3D demo was better than their expectations; 42 percent said it was much better.
Here’s hoping our partners at retail exceed consumers’ expectations when it comes to the 3D experience.
We’d love to hear about your experiences about 3D TV at retail. Please let us know when you get a chance.
